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Thursday, September 19, 2013

I always enjoy reading Huffington Post. Their articles are always clever, informative, and well-written. This week, I was particularly intrigued by two articles. If you haven't read comedienne Kelly Maclean's colorful - but oh so true - article on her interpretation of a trip to Whole Foods, you MUST. I was literally laughing out loud at work. Hilarious!But Emma Gray's article, 23 Things Every Woman Should Stop Doing, was my weekly dose of smack-to-the-face honesty. I think every woman can relate to at least some of the examples. There are a number of these that I used to do, but in the past year, have nixed. And it really has made a difference in my level of happiness.#1. Apologizing for everything. I used to work in a bank, and I would apologize every time I asked a client to verify their identity. My manager would tell me time and time again to stop apologizing for doing my job. Save apologies for when you know you're in the wrong, not every time you think someone may be slightly inconvenienced.#9. Holding onto regrets and guilt. I did this for years- and I still kinda do when I look at photos of myself in my collar poppin days. But honestly, be proud of who you are and what you are. Acknowledge that you have made some mistakes, and try your best not to make them again. The end.#20. Holding on to toxic relationships. This is a tough one, but a necessary one. People grow up, people grow apart, that's life. Some people you will never be able to connect with, as much as you may want to. Don't let other people's negativity drag you down. Surround yourself with people who make you better.As for lessons I am still struggling to master:#5. Body-snarking...out loud or in your head. (This leads to #7).#7. Obsessively untagging every "unflattering" photo of you that ever existed online. (This is a result of #5).#16. Worrying that your life doesn't look like Pinterest. (Your wedding can't have 7 themes, Concetta!)Bottom line is, we all have things we need to work on. I sure know I do! If you haven't already, read the article here.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

A few months ago, sick of the beige sea that was my apartment,
I decided that a new rug would add the pop of color I was looking for.I had my eye on this 5 x 8 rug:

Only problem, it came with a $270 price tag. I quickly
discovered that the only rug I could afford would be a door mat, and that would
look pretty pitiful under my coffee table. So, thanks to the help of this
post and this video,
I found a solution to my dilemma. With a
little bit of paint, and a little more patience, I would give my existing rug a
face lift!

Step 1: I gave
the rug a good, long vacuuming to ensure that I had “a smooth canvas”.

Step 2: I went to
Home Depot and purchased the goods.

-Behr Self-Priming Interior Flat Paint in White
(1 Gallon)

-Behr Self-Priming Interior Flat Paint in Glacier
Bay (1 Quart)

-Large Foam Roller

-Paint Tray

-Paint Brush

-Painter’s Tape

Step 3: I put the
carpet on a tarp and secured my rug using the painter’s tape. I chose to leave the
border natural, but you don’t have to. I then applied one layer of the White
paint using my large foam roller. Depending on how thick your rug is, you may
have to apply two coats. Let it dry over night.

Step 4:Time for the tricky part- the chevrons. The video I included earlier does a great job
of explaining how to get accurate zigs and zags using painter’s tape.Even with this help though, it takes a while
to get the tape “just so”. Start with your straight lines.

Step 5: Now that
you have a grid, add your chevrons. Make sure to mark the stripes that you are going to be
leaving white to avoid any potential mishaps.

Step 6: Using my
paint brush, I applied a coat of my blue paint to the chevrons and before it
dried, I peeled off the tape. This ensures that your paint won’t cling to the
tape. *** I would recommend using a small foam roller instead of a brush for this step. Some of the bristles fell off and had to be picked off the rug. ***

Step 7: I let the paint dry overnight and did some final touch ups the next day.

Step 8 (optional): If you have a sander, sanding the rug makes for a more finished and
smooth product.

TA-DAH!

I have had the rug in my apartment for about 5 months now,
and it still looks good as new, even after several vacuums and a few spills. Purchasing
a rug online might have been time effective, but not cost effective. The original jute rug cost me $20 at Southeastern Salvage and supplies for the project cost around $45. So for less than
$70, I was able to get the rug I was eyeing for a fraction of the price!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Back in April, I ran my first half marathon in Nashville. In a post race high, I decided that 13 miles was so fun, I wanted to sign up for the Virginia Beach Rock and Roll Half. Only after my happy fingers signed up for the September 1 race did I recount many Labor Days past spent in 100 degree Virginia humidity.

Nashville 1/2 Marathon

Sunday came too soon, and at 5:00AM, I was on the way to Virginia Beach for the 7AM start with my fellow race participants. I loved having Jess and Katie along for the run as well (it was an added comfort to know that we were covered should any of us pass out along the way). My time was a few minutes slower than it was back in April, but I crossed the finish line just before the temperature broke 90 degrees!

With my fellow runners, Katie and Jess! Way to kick ass-phault y'all!

Following an afternoon of recovery and rehydration, we enjoyed a cookout in the backyard with friends and family. Monday was another early morning, and we headed to Williamsburg to meet our wedding planner. After 4 vendor appointments, we were headed back to the airport for our flight back to Nashville. It was a whirlwind weekend, but a productive one for sure. Can't wait for June!!